Research Assistant

Position Overview

The Research Assistant will contribute to a Mixed-Methods Study on Faculty AI Adoption and the Development of Ethical Governance Tools in the Yorkville University M.Ed. Program. This study is crucial for moving beyond speculation to provide program-specific, evidence-based data to guide strategic decisions regarding faculty development and curriculum integration. In this role, the Research Assistant will support key project activities, including conducting literature reviews, assisting with data collection and analysis, and contributing to report preparation. This is a part-time position totaling 260 hours, with expected weekly hours varying between 5-10 hours.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build valuable research, analytical and organizational skills while gaining hands on experience in a professional academic environment.

Project Overview

The investigation will use a sequential approach to first establish the breadth of current usage and training needs (Quantitative Phase) and then explain the specific pedagogical challenges through contextual detail (Qualitative Phase). This ensures the final Ethical Governance Tools and Practical Recommendations are accurately tailored to equip faculty to lead with AI-informed competencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Literature Review: Conduct literature searches, synthesize research on faculty engagement and prepare annotated bibliographies or thematic summaries.
• Data Collection: Assist with online surveys and interviews, including scheduling, administration, and participant communications.
• Data Analysis: Clean and organize quantitative data, support qualitative coding and analysis, and perform preliminary statistical analyses under supervision.
• Report Writing: Develop visual data representations and draft key findings, summaries, and reports for dissemination.
• Ethics and Compliance: Ensure research activities comply with ethical standards, maintain participant confidentiality, and securely manage data.
• Administrative Support: Track project timelines and deliverables, and coordinate meetings and communications with participants.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree program at Yorkville University. Any current students are expected to maintain active status throughout the duration of this appointment.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Experience with or interest in artificial intelligence and its use in k-college education.
• Previous research experience is an asset, particularly in educational projects.

Skills, Experience & Competencies

Required:

• Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods, including strong qualitative research skills
• Familiarity with digital databases and research protocols
• Fluency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote or hybrid environment
• Commitment to ethical research practices and maintaining confidentiality

Preferred:

• Background in education, higher education administration, or a related field
• Experience with mixed-methods research design and implementation
• Experience with academic writing and report preparation

Commitment to support ongoing studies

To support academic excellence and promote student success, full-time (graduate) students may hold Research Assistantships totalling no more than 10 hours per week from all GTA/GRA sources combined in any academic term. This limit ensures that students can maintain strong academic standing and balance their scholarly and professional commitments effectively. Engagement in outside employment or other activities is welcomed when it aligns with students’ academic and professional goals and does not compromise their academic performance or progress.

Contract Details

Start Date: August 1^st 2026

Reporting To: Dr. Nakita Savant

Location: Remote

Duration: August 1st through December 30^th, 2026

Employment Status & Total Hours: Part-Time, 5-10 hours per week (Total of 260 hours)

Interested candidates should submit the following in one pdf file to nsavant@yorkvilleu.ca

• A brief cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the role.
• A current CV highlighting relevant experience.
• A writing sample, such as a research paper or literature review.

Deadline For Applications: July 22nd, 2026